Had three. The first 450 and then a standard 451 Passion, going on to the 84hp one with paddles which I mapped after the two year warranty ran out. It was 113hp on the dyno with an extra 30% torque. Overtaking boy racers in their GTI’s was the best fun I ever had in cars.
@@Grumpydelight159 Always make sure it’s a Pulse if going for the non Brabus version. These have wider tyres at the rear and the rear tyres from the Pure or Passion versions at the front. The stability difference is very noticeable.
PISSES me off how the Euro Brabus 451 has all these added features from the US version. I have a 2009 Brabus and it doesn't have: turbo engine, leather wrapped steering. Leather dash. Brabus ergonomics, or arm rest. However, I do have power steering. So why would they Not allow these options in the US? I will say though, you only paid 2800£ and Look how much it makes ya smile. There's no price for happiness, Mate! Good on ya and both my wife and I feel the same abouy MarioKart. We got ours because we rented one in Santorini and loved it so got back to the States and picked up one....a Brabus one. :) Cheers!
I've had two of these for 4 years and it is the best car I have ever had! I am a female school bus driver and drive a manual mini bus and then drive my super automatic Smart car home! Don't have to pay car tax on mine!
I’ve got a smart car and it’s such a brilliant little run around for me and you can park it anywhere. Loads of room for 6’1” husband and I love how big the window is for visibility. It costs nothing to tax and you can drive it into pollution controlled cities with no fee plus insurance is super cheap. You can fit a surprising amount in the boot especially as my seat is really far forward. It also has more personality than pretty much any car on the market.
I live in the US. I bought a gas engine 2008 Smart Passion Coupe that had only 50,000 miles on it back in 2019 a month before Daimler Shutdown Smart dealerships in the US and Canada for good. I had it until April of this year when it became to hard to get parts imported from Mercedes Benz-Daimler Europe. Not because of the pandemic, but because Daimler is going all electric with it's upcoming 2023 Geely Smart fourtwo cars. I loved my Smart it is great for city driving. It is fantastic when it comes to parking in tight spots. You guys in Europe are so lucky to have the Smart fourtwo and Brabus's still available in Europe even the all electric smart cars.
@@matthewreed1078 oh yeah! If you can still get parts you need for your smart car, Good for you. But even Eric a youtuber whose channel name is Nomadic Fanatic was or still is having trouble getting parts to repair his smart Fourtwo passion coupe and his smart car is I think a 2013 or 2014 model. And I just spoke to a mechanic here in Ohio who is legendary for repairing new and old foreign made cars of every make and model including Smart Fourtwos , because I was looking at buying a 2016 Smart Fourtwo gas engine automatic passion coupe and he said I advise anyone now that has a gas engine Smart car (meaning pre 2017 the year when Daimler-Mercedes-Benz went all electric with the smart Fourtwo cars)to use it until the engine totally stops running and then junk it. And it makes sense, since Mercedes-Benz has ordered Geely a Chinese car manufacturer to make the 2022 all electric Smart Fourtwo smart cars only for the Asian markets and the upcoming 2022/2023 all electric Smart fourfour smart cars that Geely is building for Mercedes-Benz, is still up in the air if Mercedes Benz will bring them to the US and Canadian car market when they are ready. So yeah, good for you if you can get a hold of parts for your Smart Fourtwo. It either is all electric , or because some parts are universal like brakes pads, rotors, tires. However, not the gear box or the transmission or starter/alternator and sensors and the like. Good luck getting those parts if you do get them and if the Mercedes-Benz dealership had to order them from Europe you're paying that import fee plus the part fee and the extra labor it costs to do to have the repair done.
@@priscillas1016 2019 is when they had gone all electric and ended it in the US 🇺🇸 but rock auto a1 auto and tons of other places still have tons of parts for them I have a 2013 that I love to death lol they use a regular cluch by the way only thing different is the gear ⚙ shifter in the transmission my 2013 has the Mitsubishi motor they have no issues it's the Mercedes Benz motors that they made had tons of issues and for a starter I have read people have gone to Mitsubishi for them as they still use that same engine today in there Mitsubishi Mirage
These are so fun and engaging to drive, you feel everything and that little gremlin of an engine right behind you revs like happy. Great purchase! There is a hidden "sport" mode in all automatic ForTwos: set the gearbox to manual, don't touch the paddles and floor it. Yes, it will redline but it will still shift. As far as the gearbox goes, never understood why they get so much hate. You get used to it quickly and even learn to take advantage of it, once you're familiar with how and when it changes but hopefully, you'll get to find that out by yourself
My girlfriend used to have a smart car, pro tip take the top off the air box to expose the air filter and they make unbelievable turbo flutter, used to love people turning there heads and seeing a smart car!!
Had a similar issue with juddering on my 452. Before putting yourself through any unnecessary expense I would try some lubricating spray inside the actuator behind the rubber gasket first. Would also recommended resetting Clutch values via ignition key / brake pedal (steps below), then allow the control module to re-teach itself over 200 or so miles. That seemed to do the trick for me. Or it could be something simple as the new actuator needs adjusting by a smart specialist using MB star diagnostics to compensate the Clutches wear and bring it back within tolerance. **1> Hold down the brake pedal, and2> Turn the key to the on position 1, and3> Move the gear shifter through each of the gears P-R-N-D then +- then D-N-R-P, and4> Turn off, and5> Restart the car**
Just drove an 09 brabus from Vancouver to Whitehorse with my son, it took me 25 hours of solid driving time over the span of 2 days. I had an absolute blast driving it up there.
Love smarts. I'm on my second 450. It's so much fun to drive. I have the (semi) manual transmission (so you have to touch it up through the box). I have got so used to the change delay that I can time it in to a corner, and it all works out really well. It's old so will probably get expensive to keep on the road soon....but I love it.
Yeah once you get used to the gearbox you learn how to use it best in driving situations. Manual mode is always better. The soft touch auto isn’t great lol
@@StefABtv Carla had two 451 Brabus editions all Tonyfied, mine had R-tec one size alloys, Decals, and Tony got pictures, have fun, get it to Tony ASAP
Great little car. I have a 2014 pure. First time I drove it and really looked at it. I paid the $6500 cash and very happy with the car. It only had 10k miles on it. It now has 35k mile on it. I don't even drive my other cars anymore.
I love my 451 convertible. It just puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, especially with roof down. It's practical and hilarious in equal measure. The ride is a bit annoying over speed bumps and the lack of power steering isn't really an issue unless I'm parking in a very tight spot.
Genuinely a design classic really. I think they are underrated from a design perspective. The packaging is seriously impressive, they were an in innovative piece of kit. They still look forward thinking now. I never drove a Brabus variant of this but I did drive a Brabus version of the coupe - the gearbox was comically bad but I quite liked it’s quirkiness. Clutches are common on these so it doesn’t surprise me….so are chains.
I bought a basic 2013 451 a year ago. I love it. One thing you have to watch for is the engine vibration mountings. They can cause the juddering and vibration too. Just had mine replaced. Unlike your the gear change is quick and so you end up in 5th at very low revs, which makes me use manual a lot to hold the gear longer… great car all the same and just a runaround for me….. I live in Hong Kong and perfect for the city…and park anywhere!
Having driven one of these I would rather have a smart roadster coupe. Even in standard (non brabus) trim the roadster is cheaper, has amazing steering (better than an MX5), is faster (especially if you do a map) and looks better. They are also a future classic so prices are going up! The only downside is the roof can leak so get a hard top conversion or own a garage :)
idk how can anyone call these future classics or good looking, they're the epitome of crappy cheap looking cars and they're always associated with the worst kind of drivers, if they're ever going to rise in value is 50 years from now when gasoline cars become a novelty and people try to remember the "good old days" when saloon tanned spiky haired fuckers cut you off at double the speed limit in residential areas while blasting reggaeton
@@Galf506 I wasn't referring to the ForTwo being a future classic, I was talking about the Roadster. It's a very different car. I had my roadster for 3 years and sold it for more than I bought it for with 30k more miles on the clock. The good ones are definitely going up in value and are seen as a future classic. classics.honestjohn.co.uk/news/comment/2018-07/future-classic-friday-smart-roadster/
I sold my roadster brabus for a profit over the 3 years I had it. It is a superb car and it broke my heart to sell it. But I live in an area with aggressive speed bumps everywhere which killed the day to day drivability for me. Still I'd get another one again in a heartbeat if I had the capital. I just hope the ones that are around get looked after properly so one day I can get one again.
Australia never got the Brabus, but I bought mine from an enthusiast who bought best he could here then privately imported all Brabus parts and had his local Merc dealer fit them all. Agree with everything you said about being absolute go kart fun. And I get some amusing looks as a 58 year old driving in Perth WA. I also have the 17 & 16 alloys - consider going up one tyre size (that's all that will fit), it has a marked change on drivability at higher speed, but doesn't bog down either in lower gears. Suggest also change the two front sway bar bushes for nonathane or equivalent
You can adjust the clutch. I had my mechanic adjust my clutch on my 2006 Diesel that I use daily and have 160 K on the odometer. it cost $ 13 dollars a week on diesel in Toronto.
Might be oil on the clutch and that is why it cures itself overnight. Are they know to be leaky around there? We'll soon find out if you are doing it yourself.
Don’t get me wrong everyone loves supercar content and exotic stuff but this is where most channels are going wrong! This is where it’s at! Cheap fun. Looking forward to this.
I love these cars! I recently sold my smart car which I had for a few months as a first project car! I normally drive a BMW M140i but my god does the smart put a smile on your face. I’m really looking forward to this series Stef however, I kinda regret not recording my smart project! But great video mate! 😀
I didn’t know that they made a Brabus Smart car, It seems a good, fun, little car, would have a great time racing it around town, if I had some spare cash I would definitely try and get the Brabus model, Have to admit that Smart car has always been my Guilty pleasure, Looking forward to seeing what it’s drive and performance is like when you’ve finished it, Thanks.
Excellent. I remember somehow fitting in the boot of an ex girlfriends smart car many years ago for a short journey through Edinburgh as my mate needed a lift as well.
I love my little 451 passion. I can only imagine the Brabus been more fun. Do wish the gear changes were quicker. Even paddle changes are laboriously slow. Other than that, they are such fun, character filled cars.
Biggest mind sets to conquer. It's software is Mercedes Benz based. It is a Sequential 5 speed manual gear box with a software controlled clutch. Lube it spray lube everything lol. The Greeks got the power. The thicker the side wall the softer the ride. Get into it. It's already got you giggly over it. The Smart car clan has been waiting for you.
Hey there, I have a 2009. I love my car but I’ve had issues with the transmission. I had the clutch actuator taken off and cleaned and lubed with lithium grease. Sometimes they don’t go into reverse I am a women 62 who does research on UA-cam . Great resource. I know more about my car than the Mercedes dealership does. I had another issue with the transmission to where it was very hard once again to get into reverse. So more research and lifted up the gear box and there is a lever that releases the transmutation. And in fact it did. I called a tow truck almost had to be towed but got it fixed. My experience with driving it is that if you drive slow off the gate put it into auto. Once you get to where it goes threw all of the gears and starts to lug a bit go back to manual and shift down to proper gear for the speed you are going. You like to get it from the gate so if I want to drive like you do ide try the manual shift.. more fun and better shifting. Mine isn’t a Turbi but it can get up and go as well. Fun to drive. People stare and laugh but I love it. Fun fun to drive. It’s my SMARTY YOU KNOW.. Welcome to the club‼️‼️ I’m even of German docent so another reason I liked it. Will be looking forward to seeing your upgrades. Ps. I forgot about this issue as well. I’ve had my Smarty since 2015 and just recently my car alarm would go off at night. Sometimes around 10 or 1am. It was driving me crazy. 12:25 I tried different things then I did more research found out others had this issue. Fix it was once you turn it off hit the car icon on the dash and get out and lock it within 60 sec. I’ve not had anymore interior alarm issues. Yippy❤❤. These cars are quite quirky probably like some of its owners. I’ll attest to that‼️‼️🎯 SO there is a place you can shop you can look at called Evolution. It’s in the UK‼️ You can order parts and become a member. They have good info. Soooo hope this helps in someways for you. Have fun and drive safe. I’m not here to scare anyone just inform.. Not all cars are made equal…
I'm not sure if these had any differences in the UK but back in 2009 we had quite a few of these in the US Hertz rental fleet. I remember them smelling pleasant inside. Nobody wanted to drive one, in fact when renters found out they were getting a Smart (we had Brabus and Passion trim Fortwo coupes and convertibles) they would either upgrade or cancel. And nearly all of the Brabus' eventually had their emblems go missing one by one. After my rental car years I sold tires and the rear size is almost unobtainium, and you literally cannot get a matching set of front and rear tires in the US.
Awesome.. Love it.... I just bought my second Brabus.. Paid 3500 for it with 45k on clock.. And it's wrapped in matt black a looks great... I love em.... Be watching for updates on this, especially the clutch and stereo parts....
My '08 Turbo 451 got 100k miles (160k Km) on dash...with software remap to >130hp ish...this engine is a real good one and it runs pretty well! Good decision 👍 Btw, it doesn't have to be the clutch. You can adjust the clutch actuator... it's attached with 3 screws an you need to bring it closer to the clutch. also relearn it with a OBD2 diagnostic tester. Your exhaust is to loose/it wobbles too much > engine mounting/exhaust mounting... Something to do at this little nice car 😉
@@StefABtv I see i right now 😉👍 what I did last week, I put alcantara on my cheep looking roof plastic stuff (deep black), that's so wonderful! black interior, love that! and painted all the silver stuff in black either....have fun with yours! regards from Germany
Had a 2010 Smart ForTwo CDI. Great little car, sold it when I became a family man. Very fun and very spacious, surprisingly decent in the snow too, although without the weight it did slip quite a bit.
that car is just epic to have a tiny tiny car with race seats. no way to fit in a parking spot. no problem I just park it 90 deg. and it will still fits. Its like an oversized shopping kart. If your a family of 4 then... just untill the boys get a driverslicens but then you would want one with about 15 bhp
It's a cool car, I owned the previous model and somehow I crashed it in an S-curve. Now I have the 452 Roadster which is even more hilarious because of the lower sitting position and the convertible roof
I am also a proud smart car owner, I love the excitement about the car, some of my friends judge me for buying a smart car. I bought it for myself and not to show it off on Instagram. Excellent video, mine is the Passion model 3rd generation that car is beautiful, next will be an eletric. Stay safe and thank you all for reading my comment!
I have a 2009 Brabus, same color. I ordered and it took 18 months to be built and arrive in California. I have one of the first ones in America. Just this year, I started refurbishing it and replaced the low profile super wide rear wheels and tires, with the same ones that are on the front. Fixing up the interior a bit, and need to do something about my sun roof that now has a tarnished look - it lets light in, but I can't see well through it.
I just bought a ‘09 451 Braun’s (North American, NON-Turbo🥺) and I too am loving it hahahaha. It’s such a blast to drive around in. I have a German shepherd that loves riding around in it with me too. I really want to add a hitch to it and put some mini turn downs to the centre exhaust so it can (might?) work to pull my micro trailer around with my trials motorcycle on it. I agree that the auto-manual transmission is horrible. My gauges are silver faced, and I wish they were classy black like yours! Really cool car, cool video. I just subscribed. Cheers from Canada pal :)
I had a 2013 loaded Brabus that I sold to add to the funds to buy my 2017 Abarth. As you said, the transmission horrible if you let it autoshift. anyway, the Abarth is paid for and I'm on the hunt for another Brabus as I really enjoyed driving it.
I Love It!!! I bought a Smart ForTwo Cabrio I LOVE It!!! So Much Fun Its my 2nd car for the summer weather. Store it in the winter. Mine never seen snow ! I bought it out of Florida .Cant wait to see how yours comes out
If you think that is fun, you really need to get into a Smart Roadster, especially a Brabus. My everyday driver (standard Roadster) now has 190k miles and is still a huge amount of fun in modern traffic that doesn't know how to corner. Brabus wheels are made of cheese - get rid of them ASAP. Get smaller 16" rims with taller tyres it will ride and handle better. The clutch may just need a reteach.
Before you go changing the clutch, get the clutch actuator reset and set the biting point. I doubt its the clutch, by the way its pulling on that drive you just done.. Save money and sort the actuator first..
I’m saluting this mate. There is great pleasure to be had from cheap fun motoring. Also, the lack of width driving through a City is a huge advantage over most other cars.
Ive had a non brab 451 for about 3 years now in canadian winters With 105k kms. Quite the sporty tin can and with a lot of life left! Id love to paint the inside of my lights black since my paint is grey
Im on my second 451, my first was the blue 1.0 mhd in my picture, iv just brought a 1.0 turbo, its so much better performance wise than the normal 1.0, drives like a bigger car but still good on fuel, just the gearbox is the only negative
Stef, these are sooo much fun!!😂 driven one and surprising quick for what it is.. 100bhp that weighs something next to nothing... this is gonna be interesting!
Awesome car Stef! Like EVERYONE else I looked and the next cheapest one is £4K! SO much car for the money and a brilliant project in prospect. I can’t wait *grabs popocorn*
I had the Smart Brabus roadster coupe for 3 years , same wheels same engine . Amazing car but like most of them was plagued by leaks . I once drove a Smart for 2, sadly I didn’t like it, it was like driving a pram !
Subbed! I have the Smart Fortwo Edition 1 2020 EQ and I love Smarts! Amazing for parking and turning circle is the best! Can’t wait to follow this journey!
Trust me you will have fun, i have been driving smart cars since 2015 and i was thinking for a brabus cuz they are more "ferocious" if i can say this :)) but lol, no, they are just some small agressive bumblebees :))) to have fun with.
Had three. The first 450 and then a standard 451 Passion, going on to the 84hp one with paddles which I mapped after the two year warranty ran out. It was 113hp on the dyno with an extra 30% torque. Overtaking boy racers in their GTI’s was the best fun I ever had in cars.
Best fun you had until a crosswind hit you at 80mph and it felt like you skipped into the neighbouring lane
came up across a standard one once.. was a bit of a shock when it kept up off the line.. can only imagine how mad they get with a tune.
@@ru55ells the crosswinds are hell for sure. Drove one in a severe storm and it was legitimately terrifying
Oh man that’s awesome. New dream car 😂
@@Grumpydelight159 Always make sure it’s a Pulse if going for the non Brabus version. These have wider tyres at the rear and the rear tyres from the Pure or Passion versions at the front. The stability difference is very noticeable.
PISSES me off how the Euro Brabus 451 has all these added features from the US version. I have a 2009 Brabus and it doesn't have: turbo engine, leather wrapped steering. Leather dash. Brabus ergonomics, or arm rest.
However, I do have power steering.
So why would they Not allow these options in the US?
I will say though, you only paid 2800£ and Look how much it makes ya smile. There's no price for happiness, Mate! Good on ya and both my wife and I feel the same abouy MarioKart. We got ours because we rented one in Santorini and loved it so got back to the States and picked up one....a Brabus one. :)
Cheers!
Cheers dude! Yeah defo worth every penny!
I've always thought a brabus smart car would be fun down a South Devon road, no longer worrying about squeezing past other motorists Mwahahaha
Haha yeah great fun!
I Had an IMiEV up in the highlands of Scotland on the single track roads. So much fun.
It’s still quite a wide car considering it’s length though?
@@gtjack9 Invacar or Peel P50 then 😅
I've had two of these for 4 years and it is the best car I have ever had! I am a female school bus driver and drive a manual mini bus and then drive my super automatic Smart car home! Don't have to pay car tax on mine!
Amazing! Once you drive one they tend to make you love them! Such fun cars
I’ve got a smart car and it’s such a brilliant little run around for me and you can park it anywhere. Loads of room for 6’1” husband and I love how big the window is for visibility. It costs nothing to tax and you can drive it into pollution controlled cities with no fee plus insurance is super cheap. You can fit a surprising amount in the boot especially as my seat is really far forward. It also has more personality than pretty much any car on the market.
Stef your killing me!! Always wanted one of these can't wait to see what you do to it 👍
😂😂😂 so much jokes this little thing
I live in the US. I bought a gas engine 2008 Smart Passion Coupe that had only 50,000 miles on it back in 2019 a month before Daimler Shutdown Smart dealerships in the US and Canada for good. I had it until April of this year when it became to hard to get parts imported from Mercedes Benz-Daimler Europe. Not because of the pandemic, but because Daimler is going all electric with it's upcoming 2023 Geely Smart fourtwo cars. I loved my Smart it is great for city driving. It is fantastic when it comes to parking in tight spots. You guys in Europe are so lucky to have the Smart fourtwo and Brabus's still available in Europe even the all electric smart cars.
Yeah we have been lucky to have the brabus for sure!
What are you talking about? Most Mercedes Benz dealerships still has parts for our smart cars lol I haven’t had any problems getting parts
@@matthewreed1078 oh yeah! If you can still get parts you need for your smart car, Good for you. But even Eric a youtuber whose channel name is Nomadic Fanatic was or still is having trouble getting parts to repair his smart Fourtwo passion coupe and his smart car is I think a 2013 or 2014 model. And I just spoke to a mechanic here in Ohio who is legendary for repairing new and old foreign made cars of every make and model including Smart Fourtwos , because I was looking at buying a 2016 Smart Fourtwo gas engine automatic passion coupe and he said I advise anyone now that has a gas engine Smart car (meaning pre 2017 the year when Daimler-Mercedes-Benz went all electric with the smart Fourtwo cars)to use it until the engine totally stops running and then junk it. And it makes sense, since Mercedes-Benz has ordered Geely a Chinese car manufacturer to make the 2022 all electric Smart Fourtwo smart cars only for the Asian markets and the upcoming 2022/2023 all electric Smart fourfour smart cars that Geely is building for Mercedes-Benz, is still up in the air if Mercedes Benz will bring them to the US and Canadian car market when they are ready. So yeah, good for you if you can get a hold of parts for your Smart Fourtwo. It either is all electric , or because some parts are universal like brakes pads, rotors, tires. However, not the gear box or the transmission or starter/alternator and sensors and the like. Good luck getting those parts if you do get them and if the Mercedes-Benz dealership had to order them from Europe you're paying that import fee plus the part fee and the extra labor it costs to do to have the repair done.
@@priscillas1016 2019 is when they had gone all electric and ended it in the US 🇺🇸 but rock auto a1 auto and tons of other places still have tons of parts for them I have a 2013 that I love to death lol they use a regular cluch by the way only thing different is the gear ⚙ shifter in the transmission my 2013 has the Mitsubishi motor they have no issues it's the Mercedes Benz motors that they made had tons of issues and for a starter I have read people have gone to Mitsubishi for them as they still use that same engine today in there Mitsubishi Mirage
Genius. Looking forward to seeing the content with this one
Cheers buddy!
A 24 hours in the smart car challenge is necessary 😂
These are so fun and engaging to drive, you feel everything and that little gremlin of an engine right behind you revs like happy. Great purchase!
There is a hidden "sport" mode in all automatic ForTwos: set the gearbox to manual, don't touch the paddles and floor it. Yes, it will redline but it will still shift.
As far as the gearbox goes, never understood why they get so much hate. You get used to it quickly and even learn to take advantage of it, once you're familiar with how and when it changes but hopefully, you'll get to find that out by yourself
Sport mode driving like that will kill your engine soon....
@@Tacosmix It's for certain situations, not for long term use for sure. But the driver ultimately decides.
My girlfriend used to have a smart car, pro tip take the top off the air box to expose the air filter and they make unbelievable turbo flutter, used to love people turning there heads and seeing a smart car!!
Will have to check that out!
Had a similar issue with juddering on my 452. Before putting yourself through any unnecessary expense I would try some lubricating spray inside the actuator behind the rubber gasket first. Would also recommended resetting Clutch values via ignition key / brake pedal (steps below), then allow the control module to re-teach itself over 200 or so miles. That seemed to do the trick for me. Or it could be something simple as the new actuator needs adjusting by a smart specialist using MB star diagnostics to compensate the Clutches wear and bring it back within tolerance.
**1> Hold down the brake pedal, and2> Turn the key to the on position 1, and3> Move the gear shifter through each of the gears P-R-N-D then +- then D-N-R-P, and4> Turn off, and5> Restart the car**
Just drove an 09 brabus from Vancouver to Whitehorse with my son, it took me 25 hours of solid driving time over the span of 2 days. I had an absolute blast driving it up there.
Super fun isn’t it!!
Love smarts. I'm on my second 450. It's so much fun to drive. I have the (semi) manual transmission (so you have to touch it up through the box). I have got so used to the change delay that I can time it in to a corner, and it all works out really well. It's old so will probably get expensive to keep on the road soon....but I love it.
Yeah once you get used to the gearbox you learn how to use it best in driving situations. Manual mode is always better. The soft touch auto isn’t great lol
Brilliant Tony here he comes, we have had three of this, mega fun.
They are very cool! Didn’t know you had 3!!
@@StefABtv Carla had two 451 Brabus editions all Tonyfied, mine had R-tec one size alloys, Decals, and Tony got pictures, have fun, get it to Tony ASAP
The exact same reason I own a Sport KA. Love little lightweight cars they rule the twisties
Super fun aren’t they!
I have a sportka aswell such fun nippy cars.
Thats why i enjoy my alfa mito
“It’s like Mario cart in real life.”
So… a go cart?
Great little car. I have a 2014 pure. First time I drove it and really looked at it. I paid the $6500 cash and very happy with the car. It only had 10k miles on it. It now has 35k mile on it. I don't even drive my other cars anymore.
I love the Smart Brabus, more smiles per mile than nearly anything!
Re wrapping, Gulf blue and orange looks brilliant on a Smart car.
TonyS
I love my 451 convertible. It just puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, especially with roof down. It's practical and hilarious in equal measure. The ride is a bit annoying over speed bumps and the lack of power steering isn't really an issue unless I'm parking in a very tight spot.
Love it mate 👊
Thanks buddy! It’s great fun!
Is there any kind of Motor you can put in it besides the Small car engine
The 450 Brabus will be the one for the collectors. First editions always bring the higher premium.
83,000 high mileage !!!! Mines done 127,000 !!!
Haha that’s awesome!!!
new exhaust/downpipe and also pops and bangs would be hilarious
Very Cool Stef! - This seems like the UNIQUE Project we all knew we were waiting for, but never thought wed see! 👍
Cheers bud! 🙌🙌
Cool choice. These are very uncommon to the upload department, and it has the engine in the back, well done, with a warm dog bed, Stef.
Cheers dude 🙌
I have owned one of these along with a roadster, a forfour and currently a 2017 Fortwo, which has an astonishing turning circle. Great fun to drive.
Hey Stef, I’ve got the same as a wee run about also, dog loves it and get lots of laughs from passers by!
Haha yeah they are cool little things
I've just bought a 451 grandstyle black on black. I love it
Genuinely a design classic really. I think they are underrated from a design perspective. The packaging is seriously
impressive, they were an in innovative piece of kit. They still look forward thinking now. I never drove a Brabus variant of this but I did drive a Brabus version of the coupe - the gearbox was comically bad but I quite liked it’s quirkiness. Clutches are common on these so it doesn’t surprise me….so are chains.
Haha yeah shocking gearbox but part of its character I guess 😂
@@StefABtvnice car realy and lots of fun
Awesome little motor Stef. Hope the journey is full of fun as I'll be following from the sofa. Looking forward to more on this one.
Thanks bud!
I bought a basic 2013 451 a year ago. I love it. One thing you have to watch for is the engine vibration mountings. They can cause the juddering and vibration too. Just had mine replaced. Unlike your the gear change is quick and so you end up in 5th at very low revs, which makes me use manual a lot to hold the gear longer… great car all the same and just a runaround for me….. I live in Hong Kong and perfect for the city…and park anywhere!
Oh man, this brings back memories.. I had one of these Brabus as a cabriolet back in the days…strange car, but we had a lot of fun with it 😁👍
Loads of fun!
Having driven one of these I would rather have a smart roadster coupe. Even in standard (non brabus) trim the roadster is cheaper, has amazing steering (better than an MX5), is faster (especially if you do a map) and looks better. They are also a future classic so prices are going up! The only downside is the roof can leak so get a hard top conversion or own a garage :)
I think there where a few too many chemicals in your morning coffee.
@@biggles9604 have you driven or owned either? No didn't think so.
idk how can anyone call these future classics or good looking, they're the epitome of crappy cheap looking cars and they're always associated with the worst kind of drivers, if they're ever going to rise in value is 50 years from now when gasoline cars become a novelty and people try to remember the "good old days" when saloon tanned spiky haired fuckers cut you off at double the speed limit in residential areas while blasting reggaeton
@@Galf506 I wasn't referring to the ForTwo being a future classic, I was talking about the Roadster. It's a very different car. I had my roadster for 3 years and sold it for more than I bought it for with 30k more miles on the clock. The good ones are definitely going up in value and are seen as a future classic. classics.honestjohn.co.uk/news/comment/2018-07/future-classic-friday-smart-roadster/
I sold my roadster brabus for a profit over the 3 years I had it. It is a superb car and it broke my heart to sell it. But I live in an area with aggressive speed bumps everywhere which killed the day to day drivability for me. Still I'd get another one again in a heartbeat if I had the capital. I just hope the ones that are around get looked after properly so one day I can get one again.
Australia never got the Brabus, but I bought mine from an enthusiast who bought best he could here then privately imported all Brabus parts and had his local Merc dealer fit them all. Agree with everything you said about being absolute go kart fun. And I get some amusing looks as a 58 year old driving in Perth WA. I also have the 17 & 16 alloys - consider going up one tyre size (that's all that will fit), it has a marked change on drivability at higher speed, but doesn't bog down either in lower gears. Suggest also change the two front sway bar bushes for nonathane or equivalent
I have always loved the look of the Brabus Smart Coupe, which is like a modern Healey Sprite!
It’s does look super cool IMO
Gap in the market Stef, this is the first smartcar brabus model refurb that I have seen. Looking forward to this
Thank you!! Look forward to making content on it :)
You can adjust the clutch. I had my mechanic adjust my clutch on my 2006 Diesel that I use daily and have 160 K on the odometer. it cost $ 13 dollars a week on diesel in Toronto.
Cheers man. I already had a clutch reteach and adjustment but still judders lead to believe it needs a new clutch
Might be oil on the clutch and that is why it cures itself overnight. Are they know to be leaky around there? We'll soon find out if you are doing it yourself.
Don’t get me wrong everyone loves supercar content and exotic stuff but this is where most channels are going wrong! This is where it’s at! Cheap fun. Looking forward to this.
Cheers Johnny!
I love Smart cars and hope to buy a secondhand one in the summer. It’s great fun to see videos like yours!
I love these cars! I recently sold my smart car which I had for a few months as a first project car! I normally drive a BMW M140i but my god does the smart put a smile on your face. I’m really looking forward to this series Stef however, I kinda regret not recording my smart project! But great video mate! 😀
Thank you buddy!
I didn’t know that they made a Brabus Smart car, It seems a good, fun, little car, would have a great time racing it around town, if I had some spare cash I would definitely try and get the Brabus model, Have to admit that Smart car has always been my Guilty pleasure, Looking forward to seeing what it’s drive and performance is like when you’ve finished it, Thanks.
Thanks Gary
Well then you live under a rock, literally, why even watch the video :D
Nice car 🚗 I must have one. Video was spot on thanks
Kevin
Excellent. I remember somehow fitting in the boot of an ex girlfriends smart car many years ago for a short journey through Edinburgh as my mate needed a lift as well.
It’s surprisingly big isn’t it!
I love my little 451 passion. I can only imagine the Brabus been more fun. Do wish the gear changes were quicker. Even paddle changes are laboriously slow. Other than that, they are such fun, character filled cars.
Biggest mind sets to conquer. It's software is Mercedes Benz based. It is a Sequential 5 speed manual gear box with a software controlled clutch. Lube it spray lube everything lol. The Greeks got the power. The thicker the side wall the softer the ride. Get into it. It's already got you giggly over it. The Smart car clan has been waiting for you.
Haha yeah it’s awesome to see so many smart owners commenting on this video!
One of the best decisions you’ve made for the channel, really fun and really different but still has Abarth 595 vibes!
Thank you mate 🙌🙌🙌
A 695 Biposto for the wife or for city transportation would be a great choice
spotted your channel, love it when the unloved gets a new life. love quirkie cars
Thank you!!
I get that its particularly easy with this car, but you can push pretty much any car on flat ground. Wheels tend to do that.
Hey there, I have a 2009. I love my car but I’ve had issues with the transmission. I had the clutch actuator taken off and cleaned and lubed with lithium grease. Sometimes they don’t go into reverse I am a women 62 who does research on UA-cam . Great resource. I know more about my car than the Mercedes dealership does. I had another issue with the transmission to where it was very hard once again to get into reverse. So more research and lifted up the gear box and there is a lever that releases the transmutation. And in fact it did. I called a tow truck almost had to be towed but got it fixed. My experience with driving it is that if you drive slow off the gate put it into auto. Once you get to where it goes threw all of the gears and starts to lug a bit go back to manual and shift down to proper gear for the speed you are going. You like to get it from the gate so if I want to drive like you do ide try the manual shift.. more fun and better shifting. Mine isn’t a Turbi but it can get up and go as well. Fun to drive. People stare and laugh but I love it. Fun fun to drive. It’s my SMARTY YOU KNOW.. Welcome to the club‼️‼️ I’m even of German docent so another reason I liked it. Will be looking forward to seeing your upgrades. Ps. I forgot about this issue as well. I’ve had my Smarty since 2015 and just recently my car alarm would go off at night. Sometimes around 10 or 1am. It was driving me crazy. 12:25 I tried different things then I did more research found out others had this issue. Fix it was once you turn it off hit the car icon on the dash and get out and lock it within 60 sec. I’ve not had anymore interior alarm issues. Yippy❤❤. These cars are quite quirky probably like some of its owners. I’ll attest to that‼️‼️🎯 SO there is a place you can shop you can look at called Evolution. It’s in the UK‼️ You can order parts and become a member. They have good info. Soooo hope this helps in someways for you. Have fun and drive safe. I’m not here to scare anyone just inform.. Not all cars are made equal…
I'm not sure if these had any differences in the UK but back in 2009 we had quite a few of these in the US Hertz rental fleet. I remember them smelling pleasant inside. Nobody wanted to drive one, in fact when renters found out they were getting a Smart (we had Brabus and Passion trim Fortwo coupes and convertibles) they would either upgrade or cancel. And nearly all of the Brabus' eventually had their emblems go missing one by one.
After my rental car years I sold tires and the rear size is almost unobtainium, and you literally cannot get a matching set of front and rear tires in the US.
I remapped my 1.0TSI from 95 to 135hp with a generic Superchips map. Should be fit to get 140hp out of a 1 litre turbo with a "real" remap.
Awesome.. Love it.... I just bought my second Brabus.. Paid 3500 for it with 45k on clock.. And it's wrapped in matt black a looks great... I love em.... Be watching for updates on this, especially the clutch and stereo parts....
Thanks man!!
My '08 Turbo 451 got 100k miles (160k Km) on dash...with software remap to >130hp ish...this engine is a real good one and it runs pretty well! Good decision 👍
Btw, it doesn't have to be the clutch. You can adjust the clutch actuator... it's attached with 3 screws an you need to bring it closer to the clutch. also relearn it with a OBD2 diagnostic tester.
Your exhaust is to loose/it wobbles too much > engine mounting/exhaust mounting...
Something to do at this little nice car 😉
Thank you! Just released an update video sharing all that was wrong lol! It’s a super fun car!
@@StefABtv I see i right now 😉👍
what I did last week, I put alcantara on my cheep looking roof plastic stuff (deep black), that's so wonderful! black interior, love that! and painted all the silver stuff in black either....have fun with yours! regards from Germany
4:01 typical british humour 😂 thanks for the video!!!
Had a 2010 Smart ForTwo CDI. Great little car, sold it when I became a family man. Very fun and very spacious, surprisingly decent in the snow too, although without the weight it did slip quite a bit.
Great fun aren’t they!
that car is just epic to have a tiny tiny car with race seats. no way to fit in a parking spot. no problem I just park it 90 deg. and it will still fits. Its like an oversized shopping kart. If your a family of 4 then... just untill the boys get a driverslicens but then you would want one with about 15 bhp
It is super cool
It's a cool car, I owned the previous model and somehow I crashed it in an S-curve. Now I have the 452 Roadster which is even more hilarious because of the lower sitting position and the convertible roof
Love this always wanted a Brabus 451 can't wait to follow the journey 😎👍
I am also a proud smart car owner, I love the excitement about the car, some of my friends judge me for buying a smart car.
I bought it for myself and not to show it off on Instagram.
Excellent video, mine is the Passion model 3rd generation that car is beautiful, next will be an eletric.
Stay safe and thank you all for reading my comment!
Great video stef, great little car, keep us updated with this project, definitely get it on the dyno 👍👌😀
Haha cheers mate
I have a 2009 Brabus, same color. I ordered and it took 18 months to be built and arrive in California. I have one of the first ones in America.
Just this year, I started refurbishing it and replaced the low profile super wide rear wheels and tires, with the same ones that are on the front. Fixing up the interior a bit, and need to do something about my sun roof that now has a tarnished look - it lets light in, but I can't see well through it.
I just bought a ‘09 451 Braun’s (North American, NON-Turbo🥺) and I too am loving it hahahaha. It’s such a blast to drive around in. I have a German shepherd that loves riding around in it with me too. I really want to add a hitch to it and put some mini turn downs to the centre exhaust so it can (might?) work to pull my micro trailer around with my trials motorcycle on it. I agree that the auto-manual transmission is horrible. My gauges are silver faced, and I wish they were classy black like yours! Really cool car, cool video. I just subscribed. Cheers from Canada pal :)
Good choice...happy driving 👍
Cheers bud
This is so cool, I don’t know how I didn’t know about these cars until now but I want one
That is absolutely fine beautiful & fun car man nice review
I had a 2013 loaded Brabus that I sold to add to the funds to buy my 2017 Abarth. As you said, the transmission horrible if you let it autoshift. anyway, the Abarth is paid for and I'm on the hunt for another Brabus as I really enjoyed driving it.
Great combo of cars to have :)
The new brabus 453’s are beasts . Forfour and fourtwo especially when mapped
I like them but always loved the shape of the 451 brabus. I’m sure they are quick though :)
it looks wonderful with those wheels
I had a 451 and a 452 roadster and loved them both. Well done.
Thanks mate. Yeah I really like this car :)
Awesome Stef Enjoy the journey as we will If you're going for the wrap make it totally freaking outrageous And take that 1.0 to the max 👍😍
Haha cheers dude!
I have a 453 Proxy, it's bloody mad around the corners. Such a low centre of gravity contrasting with it feeling like you are driving a phone box.
Really like the Smart 4-2 as standard....that Brabus would be awesome
Ok..got me..this should be fun..very good.👏👏
😂😂
A great business decision and a very interesting car. Well played!
Thank you!
Subbed, as I had one, plus my current Smart Roadster hardtop Coupe 😃. I miss parking perpendicular - fantastic!
Thank you so much!
I Love It!!! I bought a Smart ForTwo Cabrio I LOVE It!!! So Much Fun Its my 2nd car for the summer weather. Store it in the winter. Mine never seen snow ! I bought it out of Florida .Cant wait to see how yours comes out
In the USA, they all had the same engine, Brabus or no. For me the convertible is the way to go. It is a top down go cart for the streets.
If you think that is fun, you really need to get into a Smart Roadster, especially a Brabus. My everyday driver (standard Roadster) now has 190k miles and is still a huge amount of fun in modern traffic that doesn't know how to corner. Brabus wheels are made of cheese - get rid of them ASAP. Get smaller 16" rims with taller tyres it will ride and handle better. The clutch may just need a reteach.
Before you go changing the clutch, get the clutch actuator reset and set the biting point. I doubt its the clutch, by the way its pulling on that drive you just done.. Save money and sort the actuator first..
Did all that unfortunately it was the clutch lol
I’m saluting this mate. There is great pleasure to be had from cheap fun motoring. Also, the lack of width driving through a City is a huge advantage over most other cars.
Yeah it’s so much fun!
Nice, looking forward to seeing the results . If it going wrong you can always sale the wheels and get most of your money back.
Looks like great fun
Ive had a non brab 451 for about 3 years now in canadian winters With 105k kms. Quite the sporty tin can and with a lot of life left! Id love to paint the inside of my lights black since my paint is grey
I’ve always loved these
They are cool!
Always loved this car. Great purchase!
Im on my second 451, my first was the blue 1.0 mhd in my picture, iv just brought a 1.0 turbo, its so much better performance wise than the normal 1.0, drives like a bigger car but still good on fuel, just the gearbox is the only negative
Fantastic Episode Stef. Looking forward to the journey.
Thanks buddy!
Stef, these are sooo much fun!!😂 driven one and surprising quick for what it is.. 100bhp that weighs something next to nothing... this is gonna be interesting!
Yeah man it’s jokes for sure and I think it looks cool!
Awesome car Stef! Like EVERYONE else I looked and the next cheapest one is £4K! SO much car for the money and a brilliant project in prospect. I can’t wait *grabs popocorn*
Haha cheers Paul 🙌
This guy is bordering on genius with his car choices. First the 124 now this. Reeespect
Haha thank you buddy!
Looks a lot of fun 😂 will look forward to the tuning 👍🙂
Cheers mate. It’s a jokes little thing
I had the Smart Brabus roadster coupe for 3 years , same wheels same engine . Amazing car but like most of them was plagued by leaks . I once drove a Smart for 2, sadly I didn’t like it, it was like driving a pram !
Haha driving a pram is a good analogy 😂😂
I really like it mate . Makes perfect sense to me.
Cheers buddy!
I love every aspect of this
I absolutely adore my ‘08 451 Brabus! Hands down I honestly don’t ever want to sell it!
I’m really loving mine already 😂
Sell rims and get smallers ones for tires with more tire wall. That will improve the ride BIG TIME. More tire variety.
Mine is really fun to drive, regular oil changes and looked after will last for years.
Yeah they are great little cars :)
Just subscribed. Cant wait to see more videos on this. I’m looking at a similar price snd mileage one so this is very interesting
Can’t wait to see what you do to it. 👍🚙😁
Subbed! I have the Smart Fortwo Edition 1 2020 EQ and I love Smarts! Amazing for parking and turning circle is the best! Can’t wait to follow this journey!
Thank you so much!
The new smarts are no where near as good as the older ones.
@@dmomcilovic9185 This is my 2nd 1. What did you prefer with the old 1’s?
Trust me you will have fun, i have been driving smart cars since 2015 and i was thinking for a brabus cuz they are more "ferocious" if i can say this :)) but lol, no, they are just some small agressive bumblebees :))) to have fun with.
Haha yep! It’s great fun!